Rating Australia's Best Lineup For The ODI World Cup

Back in 2015, the Australian team won the World Cup after a fantastic victory against New Zealand in a very memorable contest, but that was 4 years ago, and the team is looking vastly different right about now. They've lost veterans like Michael Clarke and Shane Watson, and the team is still struggling to find its identity, but with plenty of top notch talent, all they need to do is find the right blend of players.

The test team has been struggling to find in form players to join the squad and keep that great blend, but the ODI squad has no such struggles, as some of the hottest players in the country are in great form, and if the selectors indeed to pick this team based on recent form, the Aussies will be hard to beat. Sure, England, South Africa, India and New Zealand all present massive obstacles if the team is to win back-to-back World Cup's, but with a very deep batting lineup led by Glenn Maxwell and David Warner, and a lethal bowling attack led by Pat Cummins, they're in with a shot.

It's been a tumultuous year for Australian Cricket overall, but with the World Cup and an Ashes series in England in 2019, it's their time to set things right, and with the World Cup up first, here is the playing XI that we think gives them the best chance to defend their World Cup. Obviously, injuries and resting occurs throughout a tournament, but think is the ideal XI that Australia would play in its biggest games.

Openers: David Warner & Matthew Wade (WK)

Bangladesh v Australia - 2nd Test: Day 4

The Australians have struggled to find an opening combination that works, and with Aaron Finch out of form, this would pair two of the most dangerous left handers in world cricket together. Wade has been the leading run scorer across all forms this summer, and his BBL form is second to none, and if Warner can come back and be the player he once was, this opening pair could win the Aussies several games.

Alex Carey didn't do too much to lose his spot, but Wade has just been too good recently, and with Finch's struggles, the Australian public would be outraged if he was selected again. That means the Aussies will have to find a new captain, but more youth will help this side defend its World Cup, because on paper, this batting lineup looks to be just as good as the 2015 version.

Middle Order: Steve Smith, Shaun Marsh & Travis Head (C)

Australia v New Zealand - ODI Game 3

The middle order is where plenty of ODI games are won and lost, but with the combination of Smith, Marsh and Head, the Australian's have as good a middle order as any country will heading into this tournament. Smith has been out of the game for 12 months, and while that may come with some rust, he will be hungrier than ever to score runs, which means trouble for opposing teams.

As for Shaun Marsh, he has struggled over the past year to make runs at the Test level, but has been Australia's best and most consistent white ball cricketer, making his spot all but secured already. The tough choice here is to go with Travis Head, but considering his test form and the fact that he came to the top level through white ball cricket, he is a great choice, as he combines a good technique with brilliant shot making, meaning this middle order has all the shots and class it needs to succeed.

All-Rounders: Glenn Maxwell & Marcus Stoinis

BBL - Scorchers v Stars

The all-rounders phase of the lineup will remain unchanged from Australia's ODI series against India, and for good reason, because there is no 2 players more well-rounded and damaging in Australia then Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis. The pair of them can win a game for Australia in all phases of the game, whether it be with the bat, ball or in the field, and following Marsh and Head with these two gives Australia an incredibly intimidating batting lineup.

Neither man would ever make it as a permanent bowler, but they give great contributions with the ball, Stoinis especially as he has become a death bowling specialist, and if they're on their game, they could both be contenders for player of the tournament. With Mitchell Marsh struggling at the top level, there's really no other choice here, but simply put, these two are game changers that fans come to see, and that's valuable in a tournament such as the World Cup.

Bowlers: Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon & Jhye Richardson

Australia v Sri Lanka - 2nd Test: Day 3

Australia's bowling attack has been its strength over the past few years, and adding Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc to the attack that bowled fairly well against India will make them a lot better. In English conditions, all of these men will get the ball to move, and if the lethal batting lineup from 1-7 can do their job, this team will no doubt be a favourite to defend their crown.

All of these guys can handle the bat too, making Australia arguably the deepest lineup of anyone in the World Cup, but with the variety that these guys provide, opposing batting lineups will need to watch out. Australia have struggled for identity over the past few years in the One Day format, but if these guys can get going and bowl in partnerships, they will lead the team back to the promised land.